United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I just heard from my dr. and they want me to have an EMG done on both arms. I'm terrified. Even though I haven't had one in 20 years I still remember them with perfect clarity. Because of those tests I was terrified of needles till about 3 years ago and that fear is coming back. I'm so scared of having these tests done I'm almost in a panic. And of course I have till the 17th of August to worry about them. Can someone please give me some reasurance or some ways to calm down? I really can't tell you how terrified I am to have these tests done again.

I wish I could tell you it doesn't hurt, but look at it this way. If it hurts, then you have nerve innervating muscle and that means the doc will have something to work with if you are considering any muscle or tendon releases or transfers down the road.

Try to look at it clinically. Ask the neurologist who does the test to explain to you what it all means as he or she is doing it. This will focus your mind off the pain.

The irony of all of it is that you will get a diagnosis that you have a brachial plexus injury. I remember when I had my first one and the diagnosis was 'probable brachial plexus injury'. I wanted to laugh.

The day after is usually the worst for me, so don't plan to do anything that day. Give yourself some time to baby yourself.

Nancy

Hi,

My name is joe,(OBPI left arm) i just had a bilateral EMG test on monday, I too was very anxious about having this test done again (once at age 11).I'm 28 years old now and it really was a piece of cake, the needles are considerably smaller now and it feels more like accupuncture. You should be fine. It was actually interesting this time around because i understood what the neurologist was doing. You will be fine

Yes, EMG's really bite. The concept of someone sticking a needle into my muscle and MOVING IT to different places just makes me shudder. The whole "electrical stimulation" part of the test isn't fun either.

Thanks for your responses. Can I ask a question? What is Impingement? I'm having a hard time grasping a lot of the terminology related to BPI.

It is compression -- something is pressing on the nerve, blocking it from doing its work. Everyone gets it mildly whenever they hit their 'funny bone' which is actually your ulnar nerve.

Nancy

Atenhouse...you said your son has an emg that was 7 hours over 2 days? How come it took so long? I'm having both arms and all done and I thought it would only be a couple of hours. Am I wrong to expect it to be that short?

Yes, thank you. I'm so sorry your son had to go through such a long procedure. I remember too well what they were like when I was a child.